The Story
Plant Bio
Duranta erecta, golden dewdrop, is an arching evergreen shrub native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, reaching ten to fifteen feet where frost allows. Long vine-like green stems carry small ovate leaves and sometimes thorns, and loose sprays of small tubular blue, lavender or white flowers are followed by hanging clusters of glossy yellow-orange berries.
Flowers and fruit are usually present at the same time, so the plant carries blue sprays and golden berry chains together for months. The berries are poisonous and have caused serious poisoning in children — they hang in showy trailing clusters at exactly the wrong height, so think carefully before planting it where small children play. Stems can also bear thorns.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
150 inches
Width
84 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Tropical and subtropical Americas
Toxicity
Berries are toxic if eaten
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in full sun for the heaviest flowering.
- Give it moist but freely draining soil.
- Site it away from areas used by small children.
- Water regularly through the growing season.
- Prune in spring to control size and shape.
- Grow it in a container to overwinter north of zone 9.
Pro Tip
It flowers and fruits at once, so light pruning through the season keeps both going rather than sacrificing one for the other.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Give it full sun for the best flowering ☀️
- Site it away from small children ⚠️
- Prune in spring to keep it in bounds ✂️
- Overwinter containers frost-free 🏠
Don't
- Let children pick the berries ❌
- Leave it outdoors below zone 9 ❌
- Plant it unpruned in a small space ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protect | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Golden Dewdrop questions
What zones can Golden Dewdrop grow in?
Golden Dewdrop is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Dewdrop deer resistant?
Yes — Golden Dewdrop is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Golden Dewdrop bloom?
Golden Dewdrop typically blooms in spring to fall through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Dewdrop need full sun?
Golden Dewdrop does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Golden Dewdrop drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Dewdrop handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Duranta to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Golden Dewdrop with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.